A small piece of pickup truck history was Feb. 17 when the all-new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 became the first pickup truck to pace the 2019 Daytona 500 NASCAR race. Two-time Daytona 500 winner Dale Earnhardt Jr. led the pack in the pace truck at Daytona International Speedway in Florida for the 61st running of the race in a special-edition 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 equipped with the 6.2-liter gas V-8 (420 horsepower and 460 pounds-feet of torque) and 10-speed transmission.

"The Daytona 500 weekend is home to some of the most memorable moments in racing," Chevrolet U.S. vice president of performance and motorsports Jim Campbell said in a statement. "This is an exciting opportunity to introduce the strongest, most advanced Silverado ever to race fans all weekend long."

Denny Hamlin won the Great American Race in the No. 11 Toyota Camry; Kyle Larson piloting the No. 42 Camaro was the first Chevy driver to cross the finish line, placing seventh.

As a Daytona 500 sponsor, Chevrolet provided a huge experience center for attendees who wanted to find out what it's like to camp out and walk through several auto displays on the infield of the racetrack. As part of the weekend festivities and a Chevy Cares partnership with the American Cancer Society, Joey Miller and his family were able to camp out in "Hotel Silverado," a group of six new Silverados equipped with tents and beds set up in the infield.

Not to mention that the field of cars took their first green flag of the day behind a pair of Chevys in the first 2 positions.

Front row? Chevrolet!

Posted by: papajim | Feb 20, 2019 8:08:05 AM

but GM does what GM always does, they lose the race,

The Chevy is the ugliest 1/2 ton out there, the designers should be fired on the spot

Posted by: Turbo | Feb 20, 2019 9:42:47 AM

I would have thought that the pace truck would have the new 2.7 V6 in it to show it off.
Not really showing it off as they only do 55mph around the track.

The Chevy Trail Boss is da-bomb though...

Posted by: Dave | Feb 20, 2019 9:45:58 AM

A couple ugly looking, turn your back on the American taxpayers that bailed you out, Mexican built, P.O.S.

Posted by: Silver Surfer | Feb 20, 2019 9:58:15 AM

it must really suck being a Ford fan boy these days. A few weeks ago they were all a-glow because some clown was announcing a NEW DEAL with VW, except they had to walk it back the very next day. Now we learn that Ford was trying to soak VW for a $1billion for the price of their friendship.

Last week we read that Ford has plans for a new big block gasser (that sounds just like a GM motor on paper) and the fan boys get all wet down there only to find out that it's a pure low-rpm HD truck engine...sorry no F150s or Mustangs invited to that party.

So for the Ford boys to moan about GM's new 2.7 being late to the party is LOL

Posted by: papajim | Feb 20, 2019 10:07:21 AM

I think the new 2.7L is a 4 cylinder turbo.

Posted by: ken | Feb 20, 2019 10:07:30 AM

that makes you a genius Ken

Posted by: papajim | Feb 20, 2019 10:11:04 AM

I have got to agree with TNTGMC again, this Silverado is the single best looking truck that I have ever seen! When the current F150 tried to copy the Silverado front end, it just didn't work well for them. Now that Ford's basic sheet metal design is 15 years old, it is really starting to show it's age. It was interesting a while back when putc did a real world fuel economy test, and it was the Silverado 6.2 that got the best mpg's, followed closely by the Silverado 5.3, and then Ford with their highly-touted ego-boost ended up in third place. The 6.2 is also faster 0-60, and gee, I wonder which engine will last longer, a little V6 with a turbo, or a naturally aspirated pushrod V8?

Posted by: flea market | Feb 20, 2019 10:12:54 AM

I have got to agree with TNTGMC again, this Silverado is the single best looking truck that I have ever seen! When the current F150 tried to copy the Silverado front end, it just didn't work well for them. Now that Ford's basic sheet metal design is 15 years old, it is really starting to show it's age. It was interesting a while back when putc did a real world fuel economy test, and it was the Silverado 6.2 that got the best mpg's, followed closely by the Silverado 5.3, and then Ford with their highly-touted ego-boost ended up in third place. The 6.2 is also faster 0-60, and gee, I wonder which engine will last longer, a little V6 with a turbo, or a naturally aspirated pushrod V8?

Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Feb 20, 2019 10:22:57 AM

So silversurfer...Mexican built. How much is really made in America anymore? Just purchased an American Standard toilet...with an American address.. says right on the box Made In Mexico, also got some General Electric light bulbs...with an American address...says on the back Made and assembled in China. Read the writing on most products you buy in North America for most things you buy...what is made in America anymore?

Posted by: budsy47 | Feb 20, 2019 10:28:04 AM

The GM small block V8 will last the longest! Has the best performance and gets as good or even better FE as the "claimed" EcoBoost from Ford

Now that's a triple kick in the nuggets for many non-GM buyers.

As for looks, it's all subjective. I think the new Chevy looks fantastic in person. The new GMC, idk, I prefer my 2018 body style

Sat Monday in a new white one and I can tell u they are ginormous in size. Make my 18 look small. Interior is very well laid out and simple to use

While I was there i also drove my biddies new 19 ram. Very nice interior...I would say it's alittle better but nothing like the magazine companies have whined about.

His had already been in for a recall. The hemi sounds great but nothing compared to a 6.2L. He refused to race bc he even admitted wouldn't be close. The ride in new Rams is alittle bit better than my 18. Especially around town and hitting pot holes. Doors still feel cheap when u close them though. In all he likes it and he said its a lease and doesn't care bc he is using it as tax right off for his business. 3 yrs for $249....not bad deal.

@Brawndo----what was the liar part? Is the powerstroke not built in Mexico? Is the proportion of Silverado's that are assembled in Mexico not built of mostly US parts?? There were no lies in my post.

Posted by: flea market | Feb 20, 2019 12:18:40 PM

@tntonline You have said you would never respond to any post made by "Just the truth". So every time you respond to my posts you are a liar. That is simple to understand and everybody but you does understand.

Posted by: Just the truth | Feb 20, 2019 12:25:12 PM

Ford will do just fine ... Posted by: redbloodedxy | Feb 20, 2019

it must really suck being a Ford fan boy these days.

Posted by: papajim | Feb 20, 2019 12:27:36 PM

I have got to agree with TNTGMC again, this Silverado is the single best looking truck that I have ever seen! When the current F150 tried to copy the Silverado front end, it just didn't work well for them. Now that Ford's basic sheet metal design is 15 years old, it is really starting to show it's age. It was interesting a while back when putc did a real world fuel economy test, and it was the Silverado 6.2 that got the best mpg's, followed closely by the Silverado 5.3, and then Ford with their highly-touted ego-boost ended up in third place. The 6.2 is also faster 0-60, and gee, I wonder which engine will last longer, a little V6 with a turbo, or a naturally aspirated pushrod V8?

I have got to agree with TNTGMC again, this Silverado is the single best looking truck that I have ever seen! When the current F150 tried to copy the Silverado front end, it just didn't work well for them. Now that Ford's basic sheet metal design is 15 years old, it is really starting to show it's age. It was interesting a while back when putc did a real world fuel economy test, and it was the Silverado 6.2 that got the best mpg's, followed closely by the Silverado 5.3, and then Ford with their highly-touted ego-boost ended up in third place. The 6.2 is also faster 0-60, and gee, I wonder which engine will last longer, a little V6 with a turbo, or a naturally aspirated pushrod V8?

Posted by: GM is #1 | Feb 20, 2019 12:37:29 PM

What a kick in the Ford shills face------the $20,000 powerstroke diesel engine is 100% hand crafted in Mexico, while some Silverado models are assembled in Mexico of mostly US parts.

I just can't warm to this design. It's the odd looking front end and those gills. Terrible!

Posted by: Old GM Guy | Feb 20, 2019 1:01:18 PM

@Brawndo----YOU CALLED ME A LIAR, WHAT WAS THE LIAR PART?

Is the powerstroke not built in Mexico? Is the proportion of Silverado's that are assembled in Mexico not built of mostly US parts?? There were no lies in my post.

I am not disputing the numbers that you posted. Did you notice how I haven't called you a liar, just because we have drank different flavors of kool-aid? Please don't call people liars who aren't lying.

Posted by: flea market | Feb 20, 2019 1:06:54 PM

@tntonline the liar. Every time you respond to my post you are a LIAR.